NEW DELHI: With Indians travelling like never before before post Covid, VFS Global expects visa applications this year to be higher than the pre-pandemic 2019 level. Last year had seen visa applications in India reach 80% of 2019 levels. The huge rush at VFS visa application centres these days, despite processing delays by embassies like the US continuing, is testimony to the upsurge in demand. “In 2022 travel trend changed completely with the year having an extended ear season witnessing high demand throughout without any lean periods. Revenge travel continued and there was a steady surge in student visa applications. This calendar year has begun on a high too and we expect surpassing 2019 levels in 2023. India continues to be one of the top markets for overseas travel,” said Vishal Jairath, VFS Global south Asia head. China has about a week back resumed issuing tourist visas. While it is too early to say what kind of demand is being seen for tourist travel to China, VFS is seeing high number of applications for places like the US — despite the almost two-year wait for visitor visa interview dates — Canada, UK, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherland and Thailand. Post Covid, Georgia and Latvia have emerged as the new destinations where Indian students have started heading to. “Switzerland is seeing very high demand for travel. Some other European countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark have no capping on visa appointments. Given the demand, EU now allows people to apply six months before their proposed visit instead of three earlier,” Jairath said. “We witnessed unprecedented demand from India in 2022 which led to an extended peak outbound travel season with steady volumes witnessed until December. We are confident that the momentum will further grow and hence it is advisable for applicants to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute surprises,” said Prabuddha Sen, VFS Global COO (South Asia).